Tag: Cross River State

C’River: APC cites volatile security, cultism as reasons not to consider woman for chairmanship position

Communiqué by the Enlarged APC Chieftains in Akamkpa Local Government Area On the Consideration of Chairmanship for Akamkpa Local Government Council

In recognition of the upcoming leadership primary for Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Council, we, the chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akamkpa under the aegis of APC Victory and Success Support Group have convened to deliberate on the critical needs of our constituency at this juncture. While we have unwavering respect for the women in our midst and acknowledge their potential in governance, we believe that the unique challenges facing our local government require leadership that is specifically equipped to handle the pressing realities of today. It is, therefore, our considered position that the timing for a woman to serve as chairman is inopportune given the present circumstances.

1. Volatile Security System: A Call for a Brave Leader

Akamkpa faces an unprecedented level of volatility in its security environment. The complexities of maintaining law and order in the face of growing unrest demand a leader who can respond with both bravery and tenacity. The leader we need at this moment is one who can confront these challenges head-on, make swift and decisive security-related decisions, and restore confidence among the people. While we do not doubt the courage of our womenfolk, the gravity of the current security situation calls for someone with a proven track record in such volatile environments.

2. High Incidence of Cultism: Daring the System

Cultism has permeated several facets of our society, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. Addressing this menace requires a chairman who is not only audacious but also resolute in dismantling the structures that enable cult-related activities. This is not a battle that can be won through rhetoric alone. It requires a leader who will dare the system, confront entrenched interests, and neutralize these criminal networks. Such a leader must have the grit to face down threats and the stamina to endure the long and often dangerous process of rooting out cultism.

3. Kidnapping: A Need for Unyielding Resolve

Kidnapping has become a scourge that terrorizes our communities, affecting the everyday lives of citizens. Confronting this evil requires more than token gestures—it demands a leader with the sheer will to challenge the status quo and confront the perpetrators without hesitation. The time for appeasement or hesitation has passed. What Akamkpa requires now is a leader who can inspire confidence through strength, who can take the fight to the kidnappers and restore peace and normalcy to our communities.

4. Drug Abuse: A Leader Ready to Take Action

The pervasive spread of drug abuse, particularly among the youth, is a ticking time bomb that threatens to unravel the social fabric of our community. A leader who takes office at this time must be willing to roll up their sleeves and work tirelessly to implement not only punitive measures but also meaningful rehabilitation initiatives. The task ahead is enormous and requires an individual who is prepared to work round the clock to eradicate this scourge from our midst. Akamkpa needs a leader who can take immediate and decisive action to curb drug abuse before it engulfs the community.

5. Akamkpa Needs a Reformer: The Call for a Dogged Leader

The docility that has characterized the political and economic environment in Akamkpa is a cause for concern. Our local government needs more than just political leadership—it needs reform. At this critical juncture, a dogged and visionary reformer is required to revitalize both the political and economic structures of Akamkpa. The reforms that are necessary to put Akamkpa back on the path to progress require a leader with the grit and determination to challenge the existing order and bring about meaningful change.

6. Balancing the Narrative: Akamkpa is Not Defined by Social Vices

It is important to clarify that this communiqué does not seek to paint Akamkpa as a community deeply rooted in social vices and negative trends. Rather, it highlights the urgency of addressing the challenges that have recently taken root. These challenges, left unaddressed, will only further erode the gains we have made. We believe Akamkpa has the potential for greatness, but it will take strong leadership to harness that potential and steer the local government toward a brighter future.

7. Womenfolk: Acknowledging Their Strength and Potential

We unequivocally acknowledge the strength, capability, and potential of the women in Akamkpa. This communiqué is not an indictment of their qualifications or abilities. We hold our womenfolk in high esteem, and we recognize their contributions to both governance and societal development. However, the unique circumstances confronting Akamkpa at this time require a specific kind of leadership—one that is equipped to tackle the immediate and pressing challenges we face.

8. Restoring Normalcy as a Precondition for Seamless Female Leadership

Our position is grounded in the belief that the restoration of normalcy and stability in Akamkpa is a precondition for future female leadership. Once we have confronted and overcome the security, social, and economic challenges currently facing the local government, we will be in a position to embrace seamless leadership transitions that will undoubtedly see women ascend to the highest levels of governance. Now, more than ever, we must focus on stabilizing the political landscape to make room for future progress.

9. Urgency of the Situation: Time for Decisive Action

The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. Akamkpa requires decisive action and firm leadership to tackle the issues that have been festering over the years. There is no room for experimentation at this critical moment. The security, economic, and social challenges facing our local government demand a leadership that is firm, experienced, and ready to act without delay. For this reason, we believe that the choice of leadership at this time should reflect the seriousness of the issues we face.

10. Strength in Political Stability

Political stability is crucial in times of uncertainty. A strong leader who commands respect and inspires confidence is essential for maintaining peace and progress in Akamkpa. Our local government cannot afford the potential risks associated with untested leadership. It is paramount that the chairmanship be held by an individual who has both the experience and the tenacity to steer Akamkpa through these turbulent times and toward a future of stability and growth.

11. The Ethical Responsibility in Leadership Selection

As custodians of the political future of Akamkpa, we have an ethical responsibility to ensure that the choice of leadership is one that is in the best interest of the people. We must act with integrity, putting the welfare and safety of our community first. This responsibility compels us to support a leader who can rise to the challenges we face, lead with distinction, and lay the foundation for a future where women can seamlessly ascend to leadership roles.

12. A Call for Unity and Support

In conclusion, we call on all stakeholders in Akamkpa—our fellow APC chieftains, political actors, and the wider community—to unite in support of the leadership selection process that prioritizes the security, stability, and progress of our local government. We remain committed to seeing a woman lead Akamkpa in the near future, but for now, we must address the immediate needs of our people. Together, we can work towards a more secure, prosperous, and inclusive Akamkpa.

Signed,
Names of APC Chieftains
Ntufam Roland Itambu
Obod Cletus Ikey
Charity Orok
Ntui Sylvanus
Patrick Ekuri
Eno Usang
Asuquo Ndifon
Veronica Ogar

October 11, 2024
Dcn Andy Owai is the beacon of hope, and the right man for Biase chairman

Deacon Andy Owai stands out as the ideal choice for the chairmanship of Biase Local Government Area, offering a comprehensive and transformative 7-Point Agenda that prioritizes the welfare of the people. His vision encompasses critical areas that directly impact the everyday lives of citizens, ensuring sustainable growth and development.

Ensuring Food Security through Agro-Business

Deacon Owai is committed to making food both available and affordable by empowering local farmers and promoting agro-business initiatives. His focus on agricultural extension services, the provision of inputs, and the development of irrigation systems will significantly boost agricultural productivity and improve food security. Encouraging youth-led agricultural initiatives will further cement Biase as an agricultural hub.

Revolutionizing Healthcare for All

By improving healthcare access and reducing morbidity rates, Deacon Owai aims to create a healthier community. His strategy of renovating healthcare facilities, recruiting skilled personnel, and partnering with NGOs will ensure that quality healthcare is accessible to all residents of Biase. His community-based health insurance schemes will make healthcare affordable, while regular health outreach programs will address pressing health issues in underserved areas.

Infrastructure Development for Economic Growth

Critical infrastructure is the backbone of development, and Deacon Owai’s agenda focuses on rehabilitating roads, providing electricity, and ensuring clean water supply for all communities in Biase. His commitment to building new public facilities such as schools, markets, and healthcare centers demonstrates his understanding of the infrastructure needs that will drive economic growth and social development.

Harnessing Mining Potential for Job Creation

Deacon Owai recognizes the untapped mining resources in Biase and plans to unlock their potential to generate revenue and create employment opportunities. His strategies, which include conducting geological surveys and attracting investors, will lay the foundation for a thriving mining sector. He also places a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, ensuring that mining activities benefit the community without harming the ecosystem.

Improving Education for a Brighter Future

Education is a cornerstone of Deacon Owai’s vision, as evidenced by his ongoing support for students through his “Back to School” initiative, which assists 38 tertiary students from Biase. If elected, he plans to further improve school infrastructure, recruit more teachers, and introduce digital learning initiatives. Scholarships and adult education programs will empower citizens with the knowledge and skills they need for socio-economic development.

Youth Empowerment for Socio-Economic Development

Deacon Owai is committed to addressing the challenges of youth unemployment by equipping young people with the skills and resources they need to succeed. His plans to establish vocational training centers, provide entrepreneurship support, and create job opportunities will foster an environment where youth can thrive and contribute to the local economy.

Promoting Peace and Security for a Stable Society

Safety and security are top priorities for Deacon Owai. His plans to strengthen community policing, support vigilante groups, and collaborate with security agencies aim to create a peaceful and secure environment where businesses and communities can prosper. Conflict resolution mechanisms and peace-building initiatives will further ensure stability in Biase.

With his experience, vision, and actionable strategies, Deacon Andy Owai is the right candidate to lead Biase Local Government into a future of prosperity, peace, and development.

October 10, 2024
One Year of the Rev Eyoanwan Otu Girls in STEM Project: A Transformative Journey for Cross River’s Future

In September 2023, the Rev. Eyoanwan Otu Girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Project was launched as an ambitious initiative to inspire and empower young girls from the rivers of Bakassi to the hills of Obanliku of Cross River state to embrace STEM fields. Now, a year later, the project’s impact has been both profound and far-reaching, with over 3,000 girls trained across the state’s three senatorial districts, equipped with critical skills in gaming, robotics, coding, and programming.

The project’s inception came at a crucial time when the world was witnessing an increasing demand for STEM professionals, yet a persistent gender gap remained in Nigeria nay Cross River. Recognizing this gap, Rev. Eyoanwan Otu, the wife of the Cross River State Governor, launched this initiative to address the imbalance and offer young girls the tools and opportunities to pursue STEM careers. What began as a vision to spark interest in STEM has now evolved into a full-fledged movement, propelling young girls towards a future brimming with possibilities.

Encouraging Participation and Engagement

One of the defining successes of the Girls in STEM project has been its capacity to reach a broad demographic, particularly in underserved and rural areas. Over the past year, the program has successfully expanded to all three senatorial districts of Cross River, encompassing a wide range of communities from Calabar in the South to Ugep in the Central and Obudu in the North. These regions have seen girls in secondary schools engage in dynamic, hands-on learning experiences, sparking a newfound enthusiasm for STEM disciplines.

The curriculum, which focuses on basic computing, coding, robotics, and gaming, has been tailored to meet the needs and interests of young girls, helping them to develop not only technical skills but also problem-solving proficiencies, critical thinking, and creativity. These skills are essential in the 21st-century workforce, positioning participants to excel in fields that will define the future of global economies.

The project has been more than just about skills; it has also emphasized mentorship and career guidance. Facilitators and educators from Guru Innovation Hub, a leading technology cluster in the state, have been instrumental in nurturing the girls’ potential, providing them with the knowledge and support to visualize long-term careers in STEM. This mentorship has made the program holistic, ensuring that it’s not just about learning but about shaping futures.

Creating Opportunities

In its first year, the Girls in STEM project has already achieved significant milestones. Over 3,000 girls have been trained, with many of them making remarkable progress. Some of the alumni have been admitted to tertiary institutions to further their studies in technology-related fields. To foster this progress, the project has awarded scholarships to exceptional students, further underlining the commitment to long-term educational empowerment. These scholarships, offered to those who excel in the SSCE exams and show clear intent to pursue STEM careers, act as a springboard for greater opportunities, ensuring that financial barriers do not limit the future of Cross River’s bright young minds.

Bridging the Gender Gap

One of the core goals of the Rev. Eyoanwan Otu Girls in STEM Project is to bridge the gender gap in STEM fields. Traditionally, these fields have been male-dominated, with girls and women often discouraged from pursuing careers in science and technology. However, the success stories emerging from the program are reshaping the narrative. Girls who might have never considered STEM as an option are now actively engaging in coding challenges, designing robots, and developing video games.

This shift is not just impacting the individual girls involved but is also changing the perceptions of their families and communities. Parents and guardians, who may have previously viewed STEM as a field reserved for boys, are now advocating for their daughters’ participation, recognizing the value and potential these skills hold in the modern world.

Preparing for the Future

As the world continues to move towards a digital and technology-driven future, the Girls in STEM project is playing a pivotal role in preparing Cross River’s youth for the opportunities and challenges ahead. By fostering interest in STEM at a young age, the program is creating a pipeline of talent that will contribute to Nigeria’s technological and economic development. The state’s government, led by Governor Bassey Otu, through its “People’s First” initiative, has been steadfast in supporting this vision, ensuring that the youth are equipped with the necessary tools to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.

In addition to the technical skills imparted, the project also emphasizes the importance of digital literacy, critical for navigating the future job market. The rise of automation, artificial intelligence, and big data means that the workforce of tomorrow will need to be proficient in STEM disciplines. The Girls in STEM project ensures that Cross River’s young women will not be left behind but will be at the forefront of innovation and change.

Looking Forward

As the Rev. Eyoanwan Otu Girls in STEM Project embarks on its second year, the momentum is only set to grow. Plans are already in place to expand the scope of the project, with a Girls in STEM Reunion Boot Camp which started in 2024 scheduled again for 2025. This boot camp will not only serve as a refresher for past participants but will also introduce new concepts and technologies, ensuring that the girls stay updated with the latest developments in the STEM world. More scholarships and opportunities for advanced learning are also on the horizon, providing a continuous pathway for these young women to achieve their full potential.

Conclusion

The first year of the Rev. Eyoanwan Otu Girls in STEM Project has been nothing short of transformative. Through dedication, vision, and an unwavering commitment to empowering young girls, the project has laid the foundation for a future where Cross River’s youth are equipped with the skills and confidence to thrive in STEM fields. As we look ahead, the continued success of this initiative will undoubtedly contribute to a brighter, more inclusive, and technologically advanced future for Cross River state.

Rev. Eyoanwan Otu’s passion for education, gender equality, and technological advancement stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring a new generation of female innovators, leaders, and change-makers in Cross River, Nigeria and beyond.

Written By Eyoanwan Otu Girls in STEM Project Team

October 9, 2024
Action People’s Party (APP) Releases Election Guidelines For The Conduct Of Primaries In Cross River State Local Government Elections 2024

PREAMBLE

Whereas;
(i) By section 7 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended), a system of Local Government by democratically Elected Local Government Council is hereby guaranteed.

(ii) Section 221 of the said Constitution gives sole authority to Political Parties to canvass for votes for candidates at any election.

In pursuance of the above, our great party Action People’s Party APP has approved the following guidelines for the conduct of Primary Elections for aspirants to the position of Local Government Council Chairman and Councillorship in respect of the forthcoming Local Government Council Election scheduled to hold in Cross River State on the 2nd of November 2024,

1. ELIGIBILITY FOR PARTY PRIMARIES:
(i) An Aspirant must be a citizen of Nigeria.

(ii) An Aspirant must fulfill all conditions stipulated in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended), the Cross River State Local Government Laws 2004, and fulfills the requirements in the Action People’s Party, and all other requirements provided in the Guidelines herein.

(iii) An Aspirant must be a registered voter, and must attach photocopy of his/her INEC Voter’s Registration Card and National Identity Number (NIN) to the duly completed Party expression of interest For

(iv) Any member of the Executive Committee of the Party at any level, a Civil Servant or Public Servant, or an Appointee of Government, who wishes to contest in the primaries, must resign from the said office, employment or resign from his/her appointment not later than 30 days before the date of the main election.

(v) An Aspirant must have been educated up to at least Secondary School Certificate Level or its equivalent.

(vi) An Aspirant for Election for the Office of Council Chairman of a Local Government must have attained the age of thirty (30) years or above.
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(vii) An Aspirant for election to the Office of Councillorship must have attained the age of (25) years or above.

2. DISQUALIFICATION

An Aspirant to either the Office of Council Chairmanship or Councillorship of a Local Government shall be disqualified for any or a combination of the following reasons:

(i) If he/she is not resident in the Local Government Area Council or Ward, or is not an indigene of that LGA or Ward.
(ii) If he/she fails to produce tax clearance, or evidence of having paid tax or exemption from payment of tax as at when due for the last three preceding years.
(iii) If he/she has been dismissed from the Public Service of the Federation or of the State or Local Government Council .
(iv) If he/she has been convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of any offence involving dishonesty.
OR

Any offence involving narcotic drugs or advance fee fraud, or any other narcotic substance by any court or tribunal in Nigeria, or within the Common Wealth or elsewhere

OR

If he/she has been adjudged guilty of Treason or Treasonable Felony, by any court or tribunal or court-marital.

(v) If he/she has been convicted for embezzlement of public funds, or for bribery, or fraud, or by reason of dishonesty by either or all of the following:

(I) A Judicial Commission for Enquiry (for which a white paper was issued).

(II) An Administrative enquiry (for which a copy of the said enquiry was served to him, or howsoever the result was brought to his notice, provided that:

(i) it shall be the responsibility of the aspirant to show that no white paper, or that result of an enquiry was brought to his attention or notice).

(ii) A Tribunal or any lawful authority e.g. Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), EFCC etc.

(iii) If he/she has been adjudged by a superior court of law to be a lunatic or of unsound mind or bankrupt under the Bankruptcy Law.

(iv) If he/she is identified to belong to any Secret Cult.

(v) If he/she has not properly resigned his/her position as stipulated herein.

3. NOMINATION PROCEDURES:

His Excellency, the People’s First Governor, Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu has graciously subsidized the cost of form by Ninety percent [90%] in CROSIEC and as such Action People’s Party therefore subsidized Expression of Interest Form upon payment of the prescribed sum of One Hundred And Fifty Thousand Naira [N150,000.00] only for Chairmanship and Twenty Thousand Naira [N20,000.00] only for Councillorship from the State Secretariat of the Party. Only screened and acceptable aspirants as recommended by the Screening Committee and approved by State Working Committee after their final nomination at the State caucus will be allowed to pay and obtain Nomination Form.

Nomination Form shall be issued after the State Working Committee meeting for a fee of two hundred and fifty thousand naira (#250,000.00) for Councilorship and One Million Five Hundred thousand naira (#1,500,000.00) for Chairmanship on the 13th of October.

All Female Aspirants and physically challenged aspirants who emerged after the State Working Committee meeting on the 13th of October shall pay only twenty five percent [25%] of the cost of Nomination form.

Aspirants must supply all the information requested in the Expression of Interest Forms truthfully and honestly.

Any Aspirant who gives false information or makes false declaration in the Expression of Interest Form specified above shall be disqualified.

Aspirants shall be bound by the decisions of the State Caucus.

Nomination of candidates for councillorship shall be by consensus.

Provided that where a candidate has emerged by consensus for an elective position, a vote of “Yes” or “No” shall be called (affirmation)

Nomination of candidates for Local Government Council Chairman shall be by consensus.

Provided that where a candidate has emerged by consensus for an elective position, a vote of “Yes” or “No” shall be called (affirmation)

SCREENING OF ASPIRANTS FOR THE PRIMARIES
There shall be, for the purpose of the primaries, Local Government Screening Committee, for the screening of Councillorship aspirants and a Senatorial District Screening Committee, for the screening of Chairmanship aspirants, whose duties shall be to screen aspirants for Councillorship and Chairmanship Elections.

The Screening Committee shall consist of a Chairman and two members appointed by the State Executive Committee of the Party.

The result of the screening exercise shall be communicated to the aspirants within 48 (forty-eight) hours of its determination, or immediately thereafter.

ORDER OF ELECTIONS:
The order of elections shall be as follows:
i Primary Election to the Office of Councilor
ii. Primary Election to the Office of Chairman

VENUE:
The venue for the Primary Election shall be the Office of the APP at the Local Government and Ward Levels, or
Any other suitable venue as may be approved in writing by the Electoral Committee

Any official change of venue shall be made public by means of written publication and/or announcement in the electronic media not later than 24 hours to the commencement of the primaries.

Engr. Effiom Edet Okon
State Party Chairman
APP CRS Chapter

Comr. Christian Oyama
State Secretary
APP CRS Chapter

Utande Christabel
State Publicity Secretary
APP CRS Chapter

October 8, 2024
Cocoa farmer urges DSS to investigate alleged attack on workers in C’River

A small holder cocoa farmer operating at Abonita Cocoa farm in Etung local government area of Cross River State, Mr Mark Prince, has called on the State Director, Department of State Services (DSS), Mrs Roseline Izuagbe, to investigate alleged attack of his six workers by a rival farmer, Mr Asu Njor, with thugs who inflicted various degree of injuries on his workers at the contentious 32 hectares Abonita cocoa estate belonging to the state government on Wednesday last week.

Mark Prince made the call during an interactive session with journalists Sunday in Calabar, stressing that the injured workers are currently receiving treatment at General Hospital Ikom, Cross River State.

He accused Governor Otu’s Special Adviser on Security, Major General Okoi Obono Rtd, of compromising the security situation at the 32 hectares Abonita cocoa estate, where he shared a boundary with government cocoa estate in the area, calling for investigation into the matter and sanction given to culprits.

“I am calling on the director, State Security Service (SSS), because there is no way you can sit at the comfort of your home and put up a document, stopping the army that used to patrol at the Abonita axis, protecting lives and property of citizens from patrolling any longer because you want your personal interest to be protected.

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“As I speak, if you go into the farms now, you will see Njor’s thugs parading with arms in the cocoa farm. If this is not checked, I foresee outbreak of lawlessness at Abonita axis between Agbokim and Ajassor neighboring communities at the nearest future.

“Don’t you know that persistent attack can cause war between the two sisters communities of Ajassor and Agbokim, because there is no way you machete people like this and we mobilize for revenge that it won’t result to a communal war.

“I am calling on the state governor, Bassey Otu, to ask his State Security Adviser, Major General Okoi Obono Rtd, to explain to him, why he halted the Nigerian Army from patrolling at Abonita cocoa estate known for criminal activities.

“We have instances where a criminal commits a crime and we incident the matter at the Divisional Police Headquarters at Effraya, Etung local government of the state, the matter will quickly be transferred to Zone 6 police Command Calabar, or Abuja. Before you know it, victims suddenly turn to suspects,” he maintained.

Narrating his ordeal, one of the victims Mr Kelly Abang, who spoke on behalf of others at Ikom General Hospital said, “I go to do work for Mark Prince cocoa farm yesterday and one man called Chilo met us in the bush and asked us about the owner of the farm and we told him we are labourers working for Mark Prince.

“He demanded that I should call our master, Mr Mark Prince because he wants to speak with him. And I responded to his demand and i put a call across to Mark Prince and they spoke with each other. And thereafter, Mr Chilo (ASU Njor) asked us to continue with our work and he left in company of the boys.

“Only for him to return back about 30 minutes later in company of armed young men who tortured us squarely and inflicted injuries on us with machetes.”

In his reaction, the accused, Mr Asu Njor (Chilo), denied any involvement in the attack, stressing that he was in Calabar and not at Abonita farm on the day that Mark Prince’s workers claimed they were attacked, adding that he had no hands in the matter.

Reacting, Governor Otu’s Special Adviser on Security Matters Maj. Gen. Okoi Obono Rtd, denied compromise of security situation at the estate as alleged, stressing that he had asked police to commence investigation.

October 6, 2024
KASA Project: NAPTIP demands publication of rapists in rape offenders register

By Christian Njoku

National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, (NAPTIP) has demanded the publication of names of convicted rapist in the rape offenders register in addition to other stiffer penalties to serve as deterrent.

This was disclosed by the Director General of NAPTIP, Hajiya Binta Bello in Calabar during a close out event of the implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law in Cross River, organised by Stand to End Rape.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project which was funded by African Women Development Fund, (AWDF) had seen Stand to End Rape visit Cross River twice earlier to sensitise and train stakeholders on ending rape.

Represented by Mr Jacob Oba, Head of Operations, NAPTIP, Cross River Command, Bello said rape was one of the heinous crimes against humanity and all efforts should be directed by stakeholders to bring an end to it.

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She said this could be done by bringing perpetrators to Justice, timely reporting of cases, offering needed assistance to survivors, helping survivors access legal services and discouraging stigmatisation through awareness campaigns.

“I appeal to everyone to join hands to wage war against rape; NAPTIP as an agency of government will do everything within its mandate to fight violators of the VAPP Act including trafficking in persons,” she said.

Similarly, Dr Mercy Kwabe, Co-director of Stand to End Rape Initiative said although human rights were stifled at different levels in the nation, adopting the VAPP Act showed that Nigeria was willing to push for equal rights of its citizens, especially women and girls.

Kwabe stated that one of the things they noticed in their work across states was that a lot of people did not understand the VAPP Law because of the language; so, they had to prioritise interpreting the laws in different languages.

According to her, “Nigeria has an implementation problem that is why they have taken up the responsibility to carry out the initiative of sensitization across Nigeria.

“So, the talk of repealing the VAPP Act as we hear in some quarters should not be heard of, what we should be talking about now is amending the act to make it better and accommodate stiffer punishment for perpetrators,” Kwabe said.

On her part Ms Ann Awa, Chairperson International Federation of Women Lawyers, (FIDA), Cross River Chapter said Nigeria needs the full implementation of the VAPP Act in the states.

She added that if there were sections many of us did not agree with, it could be fine tuned and not throw the entire law that was just started few years ago away.

NAN also reports that Stand to End Rape Initiative also carried out a sensitisation engagement at Ikot Awatim community where the people were enlightened on the VAPP Act which was domesticated in Cross River in 2021 while charging them to report suspected cases.

(NAN)

October 6, 2024
Efenji Nicholas Felicitates Cross River Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Michael Odere, on his birthday

Dear Honourable Michael Odere,

On this special day, I celebrate your remarkable leadership and unwavering dedication to our state, Cross River. Your tireless efforts have greatly impacted the lives of our people as you work to deliver on the ‘People First Agenda’ of our dearly beloved Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu.

As you mark another milestone in your sojourn on mother earth, may you be blessed with good health, wisdom, and the strength to continue your noble work. Your vision and commitment to public service are commendable, and I am particularly grateful for your ingenuity which serves as inspiration to us in Bekwarra local government area. And we are proud of you.

I and my team join your family, friends, and the good people of Bekwarra local government area in wishing you a very happy birthday filled with joy and fulfillment. May this year bring you closer to achieving your goal in the financial life of our dear state.

Happy birthday!

Efenji Nicholas,
MD/CEO,
Efenji Homes & Properties,
Abuja.

October 4, 2024
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong’s Bill for the Creation of South-South Development Commission passes second reading

The bill sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South, has passed its second reading after a voice vote where lawmakers unanimously gave backing to the bill. The establishment of the South-South Development Commission will address infrastructural development in the South-south region.

Recall that on 18th July 2024, during the plenary, the bill was stepped down for further consultation after it was presented by another Senator on behalf of Senator Ekpenyong, who was away on an official assignment. The bill was asked to be represented in due course.

Thankfully, the bill was quickly withdrawn for further consultation and not subject to voting, which would have automatically killed the bill for the remainder of the 10th Assembly, making it ineligible for representation till the 11th Senate commenced in June 2027.

The federal lawmakers had rejected the bill back in July when it was first presented because they claimed that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) had covered most of the functions of the proposed (SSDC).

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The lead debate presented yesterday, Thursday 3rd October by the sponsor of the bill, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South) convinced senators across party lines and geopolitical zones to embrace and support the idea.

In his arguments, Senator Ekpenyong, said that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), is being mistaken to be a single geopolitical development commissions, but it is rather a resource based commission that cuts across three geopolitical zones; South West, South South and South East.

Elated by the total support given the proposed commission by all senators who contributed, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio put the bill to a vote and it was unanimously passed and referred to the Senate Committee on Special Duties to report back within one week.

October 4, 2024
The Importance of Upholding Democratic Values in Cross River’s Upcoming Local Government Elections

By Efio-Ita Nyok, Ph.D

The Cross River State Government has recently announced its intention to conduct the long-awaited local government elections, and expectations are high across the 18 local government areas (LGA) and 196 wards. As an APC-dominated state, with Governor Bassey Otu at the helm and the state legislature fully under APC control, there are growing rumors that the governor may seek to claim all 18 executive chair seats and 196 ward councillor positions for his party. This raises concerns over the fairness of the electoral process and the democratic principles Governor Otu campaigned on—his “Peoples First” mantra, which resonated deeply with voters.

Governor Otu must remember that his “Peoples First” campaign was anchored on putting the interests of Cross Riverians above personal or partisan gains. Democracy is about giving people a choice and empowering them through free and fair elections. To sweep all LGA chairmanship and ward councillor seats for the ruling APC would not only contradict his stated principles but also risk undermining the trust that voters placed in him. It is a slippery slope from being a people’s champion to becoming the face of tyranny and injustice. Governor Otu himself experienced political exclusion when a former Cross River governor undemocratically deprived him of a second term bid to the Senate. He should not allow history to repeat itself, this time with him as the antagonist.

In this light, it is commendable that the governor has decided to review the prohibitive costs of the forms for LGA elections. Initially set at 5 million Naira for chairmanship forms and 1 million Naira for councillor forms, the governor’s revision to 1 million Naira and 200,000 Naira respectively is a significant gesture toward democratizing the process. This decision not only makes the election more accessible to a broader pool of candidates but also reflects a commitment to ensuring that leadership at the grassroots is not limited to the wealthy elite. By reducing the financial barriers to participation, Governor Otu has taken a positive step toward inclusivity, enabling more qualified individuals to contest for office and serve their communities.

The call by the 17 opposition political parties under the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) for fairness is not a cry for undue advantage but a reminder that they, too, contributed to Governor Otu’s electoral victory. They worked for a democratic outcome, and as such, they have a legitimate expectation that their members will be allowed a fair chance to contest and win seats in the local government elections. True leadership means embracing pluralism, not stifling it. A one-party sweep would raise red flags and taint the integrity of the election.

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Additionally, the role of the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) in this process cannot be overstated. CROSIEC, in recent engagements with IPAC, made promises of conducting a free, fair, and credible election. This is the time for them to prove that their words were not just political rhetoric. They must rise to the occasion by maintaining transparency in the election process, allowing equal access to the electoral field for all political parties, and ensuring that the will of the people truly prevails.

The integrity of Cross River State’s democratic institutions is at stake. Governor Otu, in collaboration with CROSIEC, has an opportunity to set a precedent of fairness and justice that will stand the test of time. He must resist the temptation to grab power and instead focus on fostering a healthy, competitive political environment where the best candidates emerge based on merit and the will of the people. Anything less would undermine the democratic fabric of the state.

Dr Efio-Ita Nyok is a social commentator. He writes from Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.

October 3, 2024
Coalition for Gender Justice concludes 3-day workshop on GBV in C’River

By Kelvin Obambon

An umbrella body for civil society groups, the Coalition for the Promotion of Gender Justice (CPGJ), has concluded a 3-day workshop on strategic engagement to develop a Gender Based Violence (GBV) response model and partnership building among its members, support groups and stakeholders.

The workshop held between Monday 30th September and Wednesday 2nd October, 2024 at the Primary Healthcare Centre, Big Qua Town, Calabar, was part of the ‘Resourcing Change Project’ being implemented by CPGJ with support from Safer World and Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom Nigeria.

Speaking during the workshop, Coordinator of CPGJ, Williams Arikpo, said the training was to build the capacity of members of the Coalition for Gender Justice which is a network of individual organizations and support groups that were set up in the course of implementing the Resourcing Change Project.

He added that other stakeholders such as the media, the police, social welfare and persons who respond to survivors of gender based violence were also part of the training workshop.

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Narrating the current state of GBV in Cross River and the effort the Coalition has so far made to reduce the menace, Arikpo said: “We’ve come a long way when it comes to gender based violence, even though there’s still much work to be done. We have started. We are going somewhere. The awareness is there, and people are reporting GBV cases. We have structures such as the VAP Law, which is a plus for us. We also have gender strategic plan; we have standard operating procedure for responding to survivors of gender based violence.

“We have laws, we have policies and institutions which is good. For the police we have the gender unit. Most of the ministries, departments and agencies have gender units. We are hoping that the equal opportunity bill, which is currently before the House of Assembly, will scale through so that we will be able to achieve more. It has already passed second reading.

“The GBV National Dashboard which is managed by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, indicates that Cross River, as at the last count, was second while Ebonyi State was first on the reporting of GBV cases. This shows the level of awareness, indicating that most people in the state are getting to know about GBV.”

The project officer, CPGJ, Abenmire Adi, said the Resourcing Change Project implementation began as far back as 2021 and would wind down in 2025. She listed Akamkpa, Odukpani, Calabar South and Calabar Municipality as the four local government areas selected for implementation of the project.

“Last week we organized workshop like this for primary health care centres across Calabar South and Calabar Municipality. Often time we come up with event like this to create awareness basically to aid GBV prevention. There are different parts to the issue of GBV. There’s prevention. There’s also response for survivors. Even while we prioritize preventive measures, there are also programmes for survivor-based approaches, and this is one of such programmes.

“The persons we are training here today are persons already working to curb GBV in various organizations who are members of the Coalition. We have organizations here working on SRHR, awareness creation, response to issues of GBV. This 3-day workshop aims to strengthen their capacity and also co-create models for responding to GBV as institutions.

“It is important that we train and retrain persons working in this field to bring them up to speed with best practices, because recently I paid a visit to a number of non-governmental organizations across states in the US. And in my presentation I try to share some of the successful strategies that work for organizations in other part of the world, and to also bring them up to speed with partnerships, strategies, recent landscape of GBV and how to help these individuals upgrade. It’s like updating their knowledge, and also to create a resource inventory,” she said.

Ms Adi lamented that there are not enough safe spaces in Cross River that could respond and handle cases of GBV survivors on a 24-hour basis. She also said that a lot of organizations in the GBV space do not have ‘victim advocates’.

“One other thing a number of us talk about is the issue of having safe spaces for persons who are survivors of gender based violence. For example, there’s just a one-stop centre that I know of in the state that respond to GBV cases, and it’s not as effective as it is expected to be in the sense that they do not have the capacity to operate 24/7. This is a problem because if a survivor reports a case at odd hours she may not have someone who would come to her rescue at that time.

“A victim advocate serves more like a go-between person. Someone who is like a liaison between the survivors and the law enforcement organizations. This helps the survivors not to be traumatized by frequently showing up in court or the police station to give statements. While all these processes maybe important, we just have to find a creative way to reduce the trauma survivors may face if they have to continually go through all of these processes. Incorporating a victim advocate in our work will curb the trauma the victims face whenever a case of GBV is reported,” she explained.

The project officer also emphasized the need to adopt perpetrator-based approaches in confronting GBV, stating that incorporating men into the programme is a model that has proven successful in other parts of the world.

“For example, in Buffalo, New York, there’s a Catholic charity for men. What they do with that programme is to ensure that men are also brought into the picture, and they have perpetrator-based model where they are made to go through a programme for a period of time. And by the time they graduate, they may even become advocates at the end of the day.

“Statistics show that men are often the perpetrators, even though they can also be survivors of GBV. We are also encouraging men to speak up because they are often ashamed because of the believe that men are strong and are not supposed to be weak. More men need to be carried along. GBV is not women based issue,” she said.

On the role of the Nigeria Police in complementing the efforts of non-governmental organizations in the GBV space, CSP Philomena Modor, head of gender unit, Cross River State Police Command, said that each time a case of GBV is reported, the police carryout proper investigation and ensure that the culprit is arrested and charged to court for prosecution.

She revealed that in 2024 alone, the police have secured 9 convictions for gender based violence offenders, with sentencing “ranging from 7 years, 25 years to life imprisonment.”

CSP Modor, however, appealed to appropriate authorities to provide adequate logistic support and funding for the gender unit of the force to enable it live up to the expectations of the public.

About 50 persons drawn from civil society organizations, law enforcement agency, health care institution and the media participated in the 3-day activity centered workshop.

October 2, 2024